Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 2

After ten seasons of Fantasy Premier League management, I’d presumed I’d experienced almost every awkward scenario.

Tomorrow, however, I’ll be willing Theo Walcott to cut through the Crystal Palace defence having shown him the door just 24 hours earlier.

It’s a bizarre and uncomfortable situation, created by this season’s disjointed beginnings.

Us Fantasy managers begun the campaign without a full set of clubs. We’ve been chipping away with the irons, having left our trusted big-hitting set of woods in the garage.

The gradual introduction of Sergio Aguero and Alexis Sanchez – obvious contenders for the top-scoring FPL player this term – may not be so gradual.

Both entered stage left in Gameweek 1 and both are expected to feature in the lead cast this weekend. Should they arrive and steal the show, there will be frenzied transfer activity beyond anything we’ve seen to this point.

Most visitors to our pages are well aware of their impending arrival.

The clamour to ship out Walcott in order to preserve a measly 0.1 is not the result of careless knee-jerk; it’s a necessary step to prepare our squads for the inclusion of more consistent heavy-hitters. For true armband candidates.

Sadly, it’s clear to this point that we can’t place Wayne Rooney in that bracket.

When it comes to form, Wayne wears his heart on his sleeve: he’s either driving forward, showing hunger for goals with every touch or wandering aimlessly, showing hunger for Greggs with every misplaced pass. Rooney’s performance at Villa Park last night clearly resembled the latter.

Without a goal on his travels since November, Rooney has confirmed that he’s simply keeping the seat warm for Aguero; his 10.5 will surely be up-scaled as soon as squad shuffles allow the acquisition of the Argentine.

Or maybe Harry Kane will blitz the Stoke defence and change our plans? Maybe Christian Benteke will spark on his home debut and force a rethink?

Such uncertainties are inevitable at this stage in the campaign, although it’s safe to say that Aguero and Sanchez, along with Eden Hazard, are as close as we get to sure bets.

With Arsenal and Chelsea stalling on day one and Rooney currently resembling a Sunday League regular, we should forgive ourselves for seeking out sure bets.

I’ll be back for you later, Theo.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

1,192 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Superb Preamble, as ever.

  2. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Loving all these posts trying to justify Wayne in their teams.

    As MOIN says "Rooney had 1 Penalty Area Touch last night"

    Looney was the ONE reason I wildcarded in GW1. God it feels good.

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      That one penalty box touch was the clearance for a throw in on 93mins.

      1. jayzico
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I know. I watched it. Brilliant.

      2. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        It was fantastic so much skill

        1. Ryan
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Any LB would have been proud

          1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            He's awful. If you put BOU in the top corner, and called him Wilson, he'd have even sold in gw1.

            1. jayzico
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              hahaha. nice

              1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
                • 10 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                And wouldn't feature in the captain poll which he topped.

                Disappointed in FFS for the outcome of that poll.

                Benteke, Pelle, Mane, Sakho etc should have topped it

                1. Ryan
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 12 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  Lots of casuals using the site I can only assume. Most of us regulars knew better.

                2. jayzico
                  • 13 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  The poll was false... merely a matter of those with Rooney trying to justify his existence in their teams. I think he'll fall like a fat stone now.

                3. Dino
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  8 years, 7 months ago

                  Yeah pelle, Mane and sakho were far and away the better choices. Great call dude

    2. ADucksBehind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Whats your team now?

      1. jayzico
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        McCarthy
        Darmian, Gomez, Cédric
        Mané, Ayew, Sánchez, Silva
        Sakho, Agüero, Benteke

        @aducksbehind I know, a few flaws but happy enough. For now.

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Nice, quite similar to mine

          1. jayzico
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Sweet. Def a compliment from a FFS old timer like you RD 😉

    3. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Oops, sorry, never meant this to be starting a new page.

  3. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Feel like a traitor for saying this but I would rather have a personality like Koeman in our manager than LVG!

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Now now, loyalty and all that.

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      LVG's a hoot!

      1. mojoindojo
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Hmm and looks like an owl as well

    3. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      wtf

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        wtf indeed, you can't deny LVG is a stubborn douche tho? Zlatan describes him very well in his book...

        1. Beavis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Well if Zlatan said it...

        2. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Well, all the United fans were having a conniption that he didn't use Rooney up top. So he did. And he's been shite.

          1. Dino
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            What you say has merit as usual som but if roo fails up top it is surely time to start looking at the manager for the reason why three top class strikers have failed to fire in his team. I thought maybe rvp had lost his spark and that maybe the injury had finished Falcao (but I must say I though Falcao movement was top class at Utd last year but the players never picked him out) but if roo fails as well then I think the blame will have to fall squarely at lvg feet.

            Personally I think his game plan is too low risk. He has castigated adm (another he proved not able to get the best out of) and many others for losing possession too often but the truth is you need to take risks to break down opposition and some of the balls adm was playing early last season were amazing. Still early doors but I have a nagging suspicion lvg is the emperor with no clothes and has done a fantastic job convincing media, fans as well as the board that he knows what he is doing. When they realise he is a busted flush and has wasted over 300m it could be tragic.

    4. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Look, the football is rubbish and dull at the moment. But he is focused on grinding out results early on, as we dropped a lot last season. Build a solid foundation, then worry about flare.

      I don't like watching it, and I disagree with how he sets up the team, but I understand what is going on.

      Also, currently 4 new signings starting in the normal XI, not to mention the likes of Schweinie coming in during the game, so a number of players adjusting to playing together.

      1. Beavis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        I told you earlier, stop speaking sense. We should be beating all teams 4-0.

        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          😉 Lose with style!

      2. Ryan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Well said

        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Cheers 🙂

      3. Rewant-WantToWinEverything!
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, I'd rather win ugly than lose in style like 0-3 against Everton at HOME!

  4. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Mane to score outside the area 10/1

    Mane anytime and Southampton to win 3/1

    Let's do this! Good luck! Giggity

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        😀

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Giggs Bosson has him and I am playing him in the qualifying round of the Champions League 🙂 .

          1. Your Mum's Athletic
            • 12 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Yikes

    1. najk
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Mane (C) go go!

    2. AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Good odds

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        brilliant!

    3. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      That would be awesome mum

  5. najk
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Afternoon lads!
    A) Roondog + Özil
    B) Agüero + Ritchie

  6. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Galloway starter until Baines is back?

    1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      What price is he?

      1. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        4.5 so meh...

        1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Shame. Should be 4.0

    2. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Seems that way, horrible horrible fixtures though.

    3. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Expect Oviedo to be ahead of him when fully fit.

      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        This

  7. ebow14
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    The sun dream team weekly game was supposed to be released on 13th august but I just went to enter a team and I'm unable to. Anyone know why?

    1. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Because it's godawful

  8. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Beautiful pitch.

  9. Venom Snake
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Where is Mane being positioned?

    1. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      hole

      1. Venom Snake
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Mane(c)

        Here's hoping!

        1. The Train Driver
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          same here my friend, same here...

        1. Venom Snake
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          😆

        2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I wish he was back in the Premier League. Instead of one of the onanists like Martinez ...

          1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            +1

          2. Somalion
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            Tell ya what, for the stick he got about the Roy Keane affair, he brought Ireland alive in the World Cup. Could have gone further had it not been for some terrible luck against Spain. I miss those days something fierce.

        3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          😆

        4. The Nuttman
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I do love Mick.

    2. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Behind Pelle I suspect ready for a sub 2 minute hattrick

    3. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      in goals

      1. Venom Snake
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Save points then?

        1. Jax
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          nope will be all howard's

        2. teddy.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          I wish outfield players got recognised for goalline clearances

  10. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    33% of the top 1000 captained Yaya Toure? LOL.

    1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      How do you think they got to the top 1k?

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Is it the Yaya Toure fan club?

      2. Venom Snake
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Lol this.

    2. ADucksBehind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      The top 1000 at this stage is mostly clueless mullekers

    3. The Train Driver
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Many of them on their second chip right now..

    4. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Most of them probably triple captained him last week

    5. Coot
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      From which site can you get these stats?

        1. Coot
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Ta.

    6. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      It's the same people who had him captain in the first gameweek and did well, who know are stupid enough so that they have forgotten to switch.

      Captaincy stats for the first few weeks in the top 1000 will easily just be the players who did really well the gameweek before..

    7. My own Personal Jesus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Obviously captained him last week and didn't realise it was a Friday deadline.

  11. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    The woman on the Coral advert...

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Get your mobile out!

      1. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        Ahh

    2. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      What's her name?

  12. Ninja Škrtel
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    is it just me or FPL flipped the order of the history chart for each player? it starts from GW1 on top...really annoying.

  13. Ziro Becomes One
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Someone have the link of the official FPL site which shows live scores and assists? Sounds stupid but not able to find it. Help?

      1. Ziro Becomes One
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        thx.

    1. Zombie
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      😆 😆 your username extension

      1. Ziro Becomes One
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        i know. 😉

        1. Zombie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 7 months ago

          Oh btw, one of my friend is going to AP, wanted to go to Tawang only but I highly recommended Ziro. But they are gonna miss the fest by 15 days. Reaching around 15 Oct

          How good is it normally?

          1. Ziro Becomes One
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 7 months ago

            which? the fest? or the weather/timing?

            festival is now well known. lots of people come. even foreigners now.

            15th ocotber he might get to catch some of our traditional rituals. the fields will all be barren though becasue the rice will have been harvested. Sptember best. Or 1st week of october

            1. Zombie
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 7 months ago

              Cool, thanks. Was asking about the fest but you answered it already 🙂

              1. Ziro Becomes One
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 7 months ago

                Tawang is also great in October. Cheers to whenever/wherever he decides to come.

  14. Wouter
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Come on Graziano!

    1. teddy.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      And Targett!

  15. Sverdet
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Everton kits looks awesome!

    1. Wouter
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      I think it looks awful..

      1. Sverdet
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 7 months ago

        First time I see them, not classy but i like the unormal look

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Unreal

    2. Henrzd
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      is this a joke?

  16. New Post
  17. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    That Everton's kit tho.

    1. Sverdet
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      Reminds me when the gk was camouflage

  18. Colonel Wasabi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Good day all.....
    Thought I had a pretty good start with 42 until I saw my son's team.
    We didn't have time to fiddle with it due to being away...so he was left with his auto-complete team for Gw1.
    He only went and scored 63 points with DdG, Herrera, Falcao and Welbeck in his team.

    I don't know why I bother trying to think things through.
    The fightback begins now...

  19. Ninja Škrtel
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    gimme that CS and an assist from Cedric would be nice.

  20. Mull
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Today is going to be pretty miserable for the Everton fans who got up at 6 this morning.

  21. It's only Carlton Cole…
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    I have not yet used a transfer and therefore have 2 available. If I only use 1 this gameweek do I still have 2 next week or does it reset to 1?

    Thanks

    1. AIRMILES
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 7 months ago

      2

  22. Ninja Škrtel
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    what happened to the turf???

  23. jayzico
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 7 months ago

    Hmm. Kone looks kind of appealing